Life and Boxing

Weeks ago, I started one of the most unexpected things I would do in my life – boxing. It was not part of my “favorite sports” list. Although I enjoy watching boxing matches, especially knockouts of Manny Pacquaio and Donaire, but it was never my dream to venture into such sport.

There’s really nothing wrong with boxing. Aside from it being a very strenuous and painful sport, there’s nothing wrong with it. In fact, it’s really fun! Most of it is exhausting though. What’s even more cool is that you see little kids enjoying the sport too.

I tried boxing not because I’m dreaming to become the next pound-for-pound king of the ring. A part of my motivation was exercise and simply to do something for summer. But there’s so much more to boxing that I never knew. I’m not talking about technical terms, but somehow, boxing can be related to life.

Life, I believe is a journey of gains mixed with pains. We rejoice in the good times, we mourn in the bad. Although life is not a 3-minute match, in fact, it’s the opposite, we can still learn some lessons from it.

So, let’s get ready to rumble!!!

LIFE AND BOXING

Lesson No. 1 – Life Long Endurance

As what I said earlier, life is not just a 3-minute competition. It’s more than that. Sometimes, we strike the punches. Sometimes, we get the blows. But, it’s a matter of hanging on without allowing yourself getting knocked out. It’s about standing strong until the buzzer sounds.

Same thing goes in our life. We must learn to endure pains and hurts until our final breath. Rejoice in victories. Accept defeats. But never back down. Never give up. It’s always a matter of moving onward, going forward and fighting till the end. It’s a life long journey. Thus, it’s a life- long endurance.

Lesson No. 2 – Speed is Good, But It’s Not All About It.

It’s my 5th session so far for boxing and I’ve had many realizations already. Honestly, I’m the type of person who wants to finish tasks fast. But, there’s a negative side to it. Although I finish tasks fast, there’s a probability I did it with mediocrity. I’m being honest about that. I kinda brought that attitude with me every practice wishing when our session will end. How I wish what I’m learning and then proceed to another. Speed was what I was looking for. When will this ever end?

However, I’ve come to realize that life isn’t all about speed. Who finishes first or who comes out last. It’s not about pace. Each one’s life has a different pace. It’s not about who’s ahead and who is right at our back. The Apostle Paul said finish the race. He didn’t say, “Finish the race. But you must rank 1st.” No. He said he has finished the race and kept the faith. Thus, we do the same.

Lesson 3: Get Focused

I admit that it’s easy to say, “get focused.” As what Troy Bolton in High School Musical said, “Get your head in the game.” It’s so easy to say it, but really hard to do. Maybe exhaustion is the greatest distraction in boxing. In my opinion. Aside from the opponent, it’s exhaustion.

I believe the same is with life. Yes, in life there are circumstances that test our faith. Problems that tend to take our focus away. And, the enemy, yes, will do anything just to destroy. Maybe, tardiness is the most tempting thing in life. Tired to persevere. Tired to learn. Tired to run the race. Tired to fight. As what John says, “The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy.” But, quoting again from Apostle Paul, he says, “Therefore… let us also lay aside every weight of sin…let us run with endurance the race that is set before, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

Lay Aside. Run. Look to Jesus. That’s focus! Focus in the goal!

That’s just about it. I believe there are more lessons I can learn from boxing. I hope, by God’s help I will really apply this in my life.

I’m now on to my 5th session and I’m excited for more. Hope my trainer won’t kill my body in the future.

So, boxing, let’s do this.